PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Dallas Independent School District’s vanguard, academy and magnet schools offer students a flexible curriculum. Admission is open at all vanguards and academies except the Center for the Academically Talented and Gifted. Students are generally admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis, but ethnic balance is considered. An application must be completed for admission to one of the magnet or career development centers. Enrollment is limited in most schools. Bus transportation is provided by the DISD to a vanguard or academy when 20 or more students who live near each other request it. Free transportation to the magnet schools is provided on a scheduled shuttle system. Vanguard schools are geared for grades four through six and are designed to offer a variety of programs. Each vanguard school is affiliated with a school in the DISD. For instance, classes for the Center for the Academically Talented and Gifted are held at K.B. Polk. Five elementary schools offer specific programs in hopes of attracting students from throughout the district. The following are the vanguard schools available:

Center for the Academically Talented and Gifted. K.B. Polk. 6911 Victoria. 358-4576. For the above-average or unusually curious student, this school’s curriculum features subjects not usually taught in elementary schools. Courses are designed to correlate topics with all of the subjects; field trips and seminars are offered. Special emphasis on math, logic and language arts. Admission procedures begin in January. Parents should talk to the home school principal by February 1st for their child to be considered for the next school year.

Center for Expressive Arts. Sidney Lanier. 1400 Walmsley. 742-3661. Selfexpression and creativity are encouraged through general music, dramatizations, dance and art. The program is a beginning point for students in the arts.

Center for Individually Guided Education. Maynard Jackson. 2929 Stag Road. 371-4346. Small classes allow students to learn in a program of study specially designed to meet their needs. Classes stress self-direction, initiative and responsibility.

Fundamental School.Mark Twain. 724 Green Cove Lane. 371-5304. It’s back to basics here with a structured, traditional approach emphasizing the Three R’s. Independent study and homework are stressed, as are high moral standards, respect for authority and courtesy.

Montessori School. Amelia Earhart. 3531 N. Westmoreland Road. 637-0923. The Montessori method is learning by self-discovery, with the responsibility for progression placed on the student. Special Montessori equipment is used in teaching, and students often help plan their own field trips.



THE NEXT GROUP includes academies-special schools for seventh- and eighth-graders.

Career Exploration Academy. Pearl C. Anderson. 3400 Garden Lane. 428-7451. The traditional basic middle-school program is offered here, along with opportunities to explore many career options. Resource speakers and visits to area businesses let students see the working world firsthand.

Classical Academy. Oliver Wendell Holmes. 2001 E. Kiest Blvd. 375-2535. Courses are available here that are not found at any other middle school in Dallas. Six foreign languages, music instruction, art classes, a computer program and an outstanding gymnastics program enhance basic subjects.

Environmental Science Montessori Academy. T.A. Edison (formerly Sequoy-ah). 2940 Singleton Blvd. 637-1340. This school attracts the nature lover; classrooms are often fields, streams and hills. In addition to language and math skills, students study horticulture, bacteriology, botany and other environmental sciences.

Exploratory Arts Academy. W.E. Grein-er. 625 S. Edgefield. 943-1196. Artistically talented students are encouraged to develop their individual interests through studies in visual arts, gymnastics, theater, dance, journalism and music. Regular middle-school programs are also offered, including an honors program.

Fundamental Academy. William Hawley Atwell. 1303 Reynoldston Lane. 376-7321. As the name implies, basic subjects are taught, and the traditional approach is stressed. Students are grouped according to ability; the academy has a program of study to fit their needs. Classes in Spanish, French, social studies and computer study are offered.

HIGH SCHOOL students, grades nine through 12, are eligible to attend magnet schools. Enrollment is limited in most schools. A pre-enrollment period is held each year for the coming year.

Arts Magnet. 2501 Flora St. 744-3247. Students have the option of attending this school full time to take academic courses or attending part time and taking academics at the home school. The school offers a strong academic college preparatory program. Intensive preliminary training is given in the visual arts (painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, weaving, jewelry making and others) and the performing arts (dance, music, theater). Resident artist-instructors do the teaching. Students have the opportunity to perform publicly and to present a gallery and public sale.

Business and Management Center. 2218 Bryan St. 651-9811. This magnet operates in an administrative and office setting in the Central Business District. On-the-job training is emphasized; paid internships are available for grades 11 and 12 (students work half a day). A vocational office-education course for the handicapped is offered.

Career Development Center. Skyline. 7777 Forney Road. 388-2101. An 80-acre campus encompasses 24 areas of study. The building complex covers about 14 acres and includes a color television studio, computer center, airplane hangar, media center, greenhouse and other special-purpose areas. Skyline is an extension of DISD high schools. Students may attend on a part-time basis for three-hour career-education courses or may transfer to the school full time.

High School for Health Professions. 4515 Ross Ave. 823-6200. Introductory and advanced programs prepare students for various health careers such as medical, medical assistance, bioscience, dental assistance, dental technology, licensed vocational nursing, veterinary and hospital support service. Emphasis also is placed on academic courses.

Human Services Center. 1738 Gano St. 421-0966. Designed for students who want to explore careers in psychology, social services, education and child development. Students are able to work in a kindergarten through third-grade program and in an on-site preschool.

Lincoln Humanities/Communications Magnet. 2826 Hatcher St. 421-7121. This alternative program offers a challenging liberal arts education to help prepare students for college. Courses include philosophy, literature, languages, journalism, radio/TV/film, fine arts, history, anthropology and social sciences.

Public Services: Government and Law. 912 S. Ervay St. 748-9991. Students interested in careers in law, criminal justice and public affairs will enjoy this curriculum. Courses are geared to both career-and college-bound students. Social-science internships are often available after three years in the magnet program.

Transportation Institute. 2222 Ross Ave. 742-6869. This center offers training in automotive technology, automotive body technology, small-engine repair, automotive diesel and transportation marketing. Academic courses are taught at a nearby academic center.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS



A unique service is provided for parents looking for a private school for their child by a firm called Admissions Counseling Services (5952 Royal Lane, 696-3690). Owner Mike Shepperd, formerly an administrator at St. Mark’s, tries to cut down on the red tape involved in finding the appropriate private school. He has brochures and current information on Dallas area private schools, alternative schools, schools specializing in learning disabilities and boarding schools.

Facilities are available through the service for academic testing to determine achievement levels and find the school best suited to the child. A fee of $50 per hour is charged, and Shepperd says that most counseling can be done within an hour.

The Alexander School. 13999 Gold-mark Drive. 690-9210. Founded in 1975. Coed, grades eight through 12. Tuition: $5,080. 80 students; 22 teachers, 11 with advanced degrees. Executive director: David Bowlin.

Admissions: About nine out of 10 applications are accepted, but students are frequently referred to other schools before the application process begins. Requirements include previous school records, an achievement test administered by the school and a personal interview. No waiting list.

Campus: Housed in an office complex in Keystone Park. No outdoor facilities.

General description: An individualized curriculum -primarily college preparatory-but also one that can be used to get a student with problems back on the track so that he can return to the previous school environment and perform well. Program includes one-on-one education and group counseling every Friday to emphasize coping skills. An evening program is available to students from other schools who want to enter more stringent academic programs and who need special preparation for the required entrance tests. Average combined SAT score: 1,000.

Bethel Lutheran School. 11211 E. Northwest Highway. 348-8375. Founded in 1959. Coed, 3 years through sixth grade. Tuition: $742-$1,080.130 students; nine teachers, two with advanced degrees. Principal: Joel Winningham.

Admissions: Children with learning disabilities are not accepted. Metropolitan readiness test required for first-grade enrollment; previous school records required for other grades.

Campus: Located at Jupiter and Northwest Highway. School building, gym, playground.

General description: Religious education stressing individual attention to students. Students rank high on achievement tests.

Bishop Dunne High School. 3900 Rugged Drive. 339-6561. Founded in 1961. Coed, grades eight through 12. Tuition: $1,700 for Catholics, $1,950 for non-Catholics. 620 students; 38 teachers, 13 with advanced degrees. Principal: Mike Satarino.

Admissions: Requirements include a placement test and previous school records. Eight out of every 10 applications are accepted.

Campus: Located two miles northeast of Red Bird Mall between Highway 67 and Loop 12. Fifteen acres in a residential setting with a main building and a stadium for athletics.

General description: Traditional college preparatory requiring heavy academic loads. Students come from Oak Cliff as well as nearby suburbs. Thirty-three percent of students are non-Catholic. Notable programs include foreign languages (German, French, Spanish) and a band that has been named outstanding Catholic high school band in the nation. Average combined SAT score: 908.

Bishop Lynch High School. 9750 Ferguson Road. 324-3607. Founded in 1963. Coed, grades nine through 12. Tuition: $1,700. 700 students; 43 teachers, 23 with advanced degrees. Principal: Edward E. Leyden.

Admissions: Most applications are accepted. Requirements include placement test and clearance from elementary school.

Campus: Located on 22 acres in the Casa View/Casa Linda area; campus includes a gym and a football field.

General description: Catholic education for the college-bound student, with outstanding speech and fine-arts programs. Students are known for their maturity and well-developed sense of community. Average combined SAT score: 880.

Catholic Diocese of Dallas. 3915 Lem-mon. 528-2360. Tuition: $500-$2,200. 34 elementary schools, nine secondary and two special schools all under the Diocese’s jurisdiction. 13,508 students; 731 teachers, 250 with advanced degrees. Superintendent of schools: Sister Caroleen Hensgen.

Cistercian Preparatory School. 1 Cistercian Road, Irving. 438-4956. Founded in 1962. Boys, grades five through 12. Tuition: $2,650-$3,100. 265 students; 29 teachers, 24 with advanced degrees. Headmaster: Father Bernard Marton.

Admissions: One out of every two applicants is accepted. Requirements include previous school records demonstrating high academic achievement.

Campus: Located on the banks of the Elm Fork of the Trinity River near Highway 114 between Texas Stadium and Las Colinas. Three buildings include two science labs, a language lab, a gym and a stage for theatrical productions. Plans include a new science building.

General description: Catholic education in a sequential curriculum. Each class is assigned to a “form master” who counsels the class through each grade to graduation. High academic standards throughout, with four languages and an outstanding American history program offered. Latin required in grades five through eight. Computer curriculum introduced in sixth grade; calculus and physics required for graduation. Average combined SAT score: 1,228.

The Cornerstone Child Development Center. 12302 Park Central Place. 387-8567. Founded in 1976. Coed, 2 years through fifth grade. Tuition: $2,115 (may be paid in monthly installments). 300 students; 27 teachers, six with advanced degrees. Director: Mimi Goldman.

Admissions: Qualified applicants are accepted according to space. Requirements include previous school records, a tour of the school and a placement test that groups elementary students according to ability.

Campus: Located on three acres. Three buildings especially designed for the various age groups (preschool ages 2 and 3, pre-elementary ages 4 and 5 and elementary ages 6 and older). Swimming pool, parklike playground with creative play equipment.

General description: Small classes grouped by ability. Individualized self-pacing programs. Teachers will stay after hours for students with working parents. Extracurricular activities (ballet, art, etc.) taught by specialists in each field from 3 to 5 p.m. for an extra fee.

Dallas Academy. 950 Tiffany Way. 324-1481. Founded in 1967. Coed, grades seven through 12 with post-high school year available. Tuition: $4,400; $10,000 for boarding students. 60 students; nine teachers, four with advanced degrees. Director: Jim Richardson.

Admissions: About two out of three applicants accepted. Requirements include recent 1Q, diagnostic and achievement testing. Personal interview includes spending an entire day at the school. A candidate must demonstrate potential and must not have severe behavioral problems.

Campus: Located on four acres near White Rock Lake. Out-of-town students are housed at Buckner Children’s Home, with transportation provided.

General description: Features remedial courses in reading, math, writing and study skills for students with learning disabilities. Vocational training included.

Dean Learning Center. 2100 Welborn. 522-2960. Founded in 1970. Coed, four years through eighth grade. Tuition: $4,650 (plus fees). 104 students; 15 teachers, eight with advanced degrees. Principal: Carole Hill.

Admissions: Referral from a physician. Interviews required.

Campus: In the Oak Lawn area, behind Scottish Rite Hospital. Housed in what used to be an orphanage.

General description: Small classes provide students with special attention. Program is geared to assist those with specific language learning disabilities.

The Episcopal School of Dallas. 4100 Merrell Road at Midway. 358-4368. Founded in 1974. Coed, grades five through 12. Tuition: $4,314-$5,189. 350 students; 45 teachers, about 25 with advanced degrees. Headmaster: Stephen Swann.

Admissions: Applicants must be seen as capable of benefiting from the school’s college preparatory program. Requirements include tests administered by the school, previous school records and a personal interview.

Campus: Located on 22 acres in North Dallas, the campus includes an upper-school facility joined to a middle-school facility by a common area. There is also a 24,000-square-foot gym area.

General description: A college preparatory school with rigorous curriculum and graduation requirements. Average class size is 15 to 20 students. One outstanding feature of the curriculum is the Wilderness Program.

The Fairhill School. 6039 Churchill Way. 233-1026. Founded in 1971. Coed, first through 12th grade. Tuition: $3,500-$3,900. 140 students; 17 teachers, 12 with advanced degrees. Director: Jane Sego.

Admissions: Children of average or above-average intelligence with learning disabilities requiring a smaller academic setting. Previous test results are reviewed.

Campus: The old Lamplighter campus on five wooded acres; athletic facilities.

General description: Average class size varies; maximum is 14 students. Reading, math and language arts are emphasized.

First Baptist Academy. 1704 Patterson. 742-5765. Founded in 1972. Coed, kindergarten through 12th grade. Tuition: $1,260-$1,795. 800 students; 58 teachers, 15 with advanced degrees. Superintendent: Johnnie Henderson.

Admissions: Requirements include an entrance exam, performance at or above grade level and a parent interview with the principal.

Campus: Located in First Baptist Church, downtown. Science labs, business labs, computer math classes and art program.

General description: Although the school is affiliated with First Baptist Church, not all of the students are Baptist. Christian emphasis; Bible courses required in all grades. Band, drill team, cheerlead-ing and athletic programs. Average combined SAT score: 990.

The Glenwood School. 851 S. Greenville, one block south of Spring Valley, Richardson. 235-8320. Founded in 1981. Coed, 3 years through ninth grade (with plans to go to 12th). Tuition: $1,322-$3,375. 300 students; 34 teachers, 19 with advanced degrees. Executive director: Mrs. Glen Holmes.

Admissions: Students must do average to superior work; first-graders and up must have an admissions evaluation.

Campus: New location this fall includes six large buildings, a gym and pool on 18 acres with trees in a camplike setting.

General description: Continuous-progress program/mastery-learning program. Personalized, individualized attention stresses self-concept as well as academics. Students are grouped into units that function as families; no grades per se. Exceeds state standards.

Good Shepherd Episcopal School. 11122 Midway Road. 357-1610. Founded in 1960. Coed, 3 years through eighth grade. Tuition: $600-$2,000.412 students; 33 teachers, eight with advanced degrees. Headmistress: Mary Jo Burpo.

Admissions: About three out of every 10 applicants are accepted. Requirements include previous school records, an entrance exam and a personal interview. Currently, there is a waiting list for all grades.

Campus: Located at Midway and North-aven roads. Buildings include preschool, lower school, upper school, library and reading laboratory.

General description: Standard private school ambiance with several unique features including Spanish taught in grades one through eight and a mandatory reading enrichment program from the fourth grade on.

Good Shepherd Lutheran School. 2620 W. Grauwyler, Irving. 254-9102. Founded in 1963. Coed, 3 years through sixth grade. Tuition: $540-$980 for nonmem-bers of the church; $540-$900 for members. 105 students; five teachers, one with an advanced degree. Principal: Russell A. Rahn.

Admissions: Most applicants are accepted. Requirements include previous school records. First, second and third grades are filled for the fall.

Campus: Housed in a church building with a playground.

General description: The school is open to everyone and caters mainly to the community. Religion and education are emphasized.

Grace Lutheran School. 1523 S. Beck-ley. 946-4967. Founded in 1951. Coed, kindergarten through seventh grade. Tuition: $945. 65 students; four teachers, one with an advanced degree. Principal: Barbara Schreyer.

Admissions: Most applicants are accepted. Sometimes testing is required if a student does not appear to be performing at grade level.

Campus: Located in Oak Cliff between Illinois and Clarendon, just east of Thornton Freeway.

General description: All academic areas are comparable to those of the public school system, with a Christian-based educational program. Religion, art, music and sports are stressed.

The Greenhill School. 14255 Midway Road. 661-1211. Founded in 1950. Coed, 3’/2 years through 12th grade. Tuition: $2,000-$4,600. 1,030 students; 105 teachers, 70 with advanced degrees. Headmaster: Phillip Foote.

Admissions: About one out of every four applicants is accepted. Requirements include testing for intelligence and placement and determining whether applicant can do college preparatory work. For fifth grade and up, two personal interviews are required, plus previous school records and recommendations from former teachers. Generally, the school looks for students who perform in the top 20th percentile. Grades five through eight are usually filled; grade one and the upper school (nine through 12) are usually available.

Campus: Located on 83 acres in Far North Dallas. Gym, eight tennis courts, 38,000-volume library and theater.

General description: Considered the best coed private school in Dallas. A rigorous college preparatory program. No self-contained classrooms through eighth grade, but classes are structured. Strong performance in all academic fields. Outstanding tennis, soccer and running teams. Respected computer science curriculum for kindergarten and up. Average combined SAT score: 1,150.

The Hockaday School. 11600 Welch Road. 363-6311. Founded in 1913. Girls, 4 years through 12th grade. Tuition: $1,926-$5,484 (includes lunches and fees). 821 students; 81 teachers, 49 with advanced degrees. Headmistress: Idanelle Mc-Murry.

Admissions: Applications are received continuously. Testing begins in February; upper-school testing conducted periodically throughout the spring. Girls are admitted in order of ranking obtained through testing and other requirements, including previous academic records. Personal interviews are held for upper-school candidates. About 35 percent of the upper-school applicants are accepted for admission.

Campus: Located on 100 acres along Forest Lane and Welch Road. Facilities include academic quadrangle built around gardens and terraces, two libraries, two gyms, an indoor swimming pool, extensive tennis facilities, a ceramics studio with kilns and a computer room. Boarding facilities available.

General description: Considered the premier girls’ school of Dallas. Founded on the principle of college preparation with emphasis on scholarship, character, courtesy and athletics. Wide-ranging, highly demanding academic program stressing the arts. Special programs include coordinated classes in selected subjects with St. Mark’s School and English as a second language for foreign students. Average combined SAT score: 1,101.

Holy Cross Lutheran School. 11425 Marsh Lane. 358-4396. Founded in 1962. Coed, 3 years through sixth grade. Tuition: supported by donations of church members and non-members. 185 students; nine teachers, three with advanced degrees. Principal: Ruth Braun.

Admissions: Requirements include testing for grade and developmental placement at first- and second-grade levels. Waiting list averages about five students per grade.

Campus: Housed in a modern building with adjoining library and music facilities; gym, playground and playing fields.

General description: Program designed for students performing at or above grade level, with emphasis on religious values.

Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas. 12345 Inwood Road. 387-8707. Founded in 1942. Boys, grades nine through 12. Tuition: $2,470. 700 students; 50 teachers, 25 with advanced degrees. Principal: Father Brian Zinnamon.

Admissions: About two out of three applicants are accepted. Requirements include entrance test, previous school records and a personal interview. No transfers are allowed unless the student is coming from a similar educational environment.

Campus: Located on 26 acres west of Dallas North Tollway. Facilities include a large main building, an 8,000-seat football stadium, gym, all-weather track and playing fields.

General description: Catholic education stressing the development of the intellect through a demanding academic curriculum and disciplined habits of study. Average combined SAT score: 1,087.

Lakehill Preparatory School. 2720 Hillside. 826-2931. Founded in 1970. Coed, kindergarten through 12th grade. Tuition: $1,890-$3,500. 300 students; 33 teachers, 17 with advanced degrees. Headmaster: Roger Perry.

Admissions: Requirements include admissions testing, previous school records and a personal interview.

Campus: Hillside at Vickery (situated within Lakewood, the primary area the school serves). Leases facility from Lake-wood Baptist Church. New gym facilities available.

General description: The only private school in East Dallas with no religious affiliation. Considers itself in a league with the best private schools in Dallas, but with a smaller, more familylike atmosphere. Average combined SAT score: 988.

Lakemont Academy. 3933 W. Northwest Highway. 351-6502. Founded as the Montessori Village School in 1976. Coed, 2 years through 12th grade. Tuition: $1,755.135 students; 16 teachers, one with an advanced degree. Headmaster: Edward Fidellow.

Admissions: Although there are no scholastic requirements, the child must be willing to work in the academic program. Parent interview is required.

Campus: Located on 2.8 acres on Northwest Highway. One building houses preschool and academy; common dining area.

General description: This Christian Montessori school stresses the child’s individual uniqueness. The school aims to build the child’s self-esteem, character and confidence.

The Lamplighter School. 11611 Inwood Road. 369-9201. Founded in 1953. Coed, 3 years through fourth grade. Tuition: $l,265-$3,410. 440 students; 37 teachers, about 20 with advanced degrees. Director: Pat Mattingly.

Admissions: Informal interview and evaluation for preschool. Interview and evaluation plus previous school records (if applicable) for kindergarten through fourth grade.

Campus: Twelve acres at the corner of Inwood Road and Forest Lane. A rambling school with fields, a playground, a greenhouse and a barn with animals.

General description: Dallas’ leading private school for the early grades. Provides a strong academic foundation with special emphasis on motor development, fine arts, foreign language, animal life and early introduction to computers. National advisory board evaluates programs each year.

Lutheran High School of Dallas. 8494 Stults Road, south of Forest Lane. 349-8912. Founded in 1976. Coed, grades seven through 12. Tuition: $2,200, plus $150 registration fee. 150 students; 13 teachers, five with advanced degrees. Headmaster: Gerald Brunworth.

Admissions: Eight out of 10 applications accepted. Requirements include previous school records and a personal interview.

Campus: Athletic fields, classrooms, library and laboratories located on 13 acres.

General description: The school offers a quality educational program for a broad range of student abilities and backgrounds. Christian education and moral precepts are stressed. Average combined SAT score: 1,015.

Notre Dame Schools. 1451 E. North-gate Drive, Irving. 438-2440 or 438-3202. Elementary school founded in 1962; secondary and vocational center founded in 1973. Coed, ungraded. Tuition: based on pledges ranging from $1,500-$4,000. 90 students, plus 53 vocational students; 25 teachers. Director: Sister Barbara Kraus.

Admissions: Provides education for learning-disabled or mentally retarded children, ages 2 1/2 to 16. Vocational training for those 16 and older.

Campus: Located on the grounds of the Mother House of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

General description: Accredited programs by the Texas Education Agency and Texas Rehabilitation Commission. Academic program for the educable mentally retarded; living-skills program for the trainable mentally retarded. Vocational program strives to place students in the job market. Facilities include a commercial laundry, woodshop, use of a commercial kitchen, beauty shop, office machines, ceramics room and greenhouse.

Our Redeemer Lutheran School. 7611 Park Lane. 368-1465. Founded in 1960. Coed, 3 years through sixth grade. Tuition: $396-$l,900. 180 students; 10 teachers, one-third with advanced degrees. Principal: Norman L. Clasen.

Admissions: Requirements include previous school records, recent achievement test scores and personal interview with parents and students. Upper grades fill quickly; usually openings in primary grades.

Campus: Located on 10 acres at the intersection of Park Lane and Boedeker (across from NorthPark Center). Facilities include a modern building with a gym and library as well as softball and soccer fields.

General description: A Christian school with a student body comprised of various denominations. Self-contained classrooms with a structured curriculum that provides a strong academic foundation. Good band and athletic programs.

The Parish Day School of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration .14115 Hillcrest. 239-8011. Founded in 1972. Coed, 3 years through sixth grade. Tuition: $575-$1,925. 300 students; 30 teachers, seven with advanced degrees. Headmistress: Gloria Snyder.

Admissions: Requirements include testing, previous school records, teacher recommendation and an interview.

Campus: Located at Spring Valley and Hillcrest on 10 acres and includes preschool building, grade-school building and five portable buildings, plus Parish Hall for large group activities.

General description: Average class size: 18. Self-contained classrooms. Structured, traditional program with emphasis on reading skills, literature, grammar and composition. Computer program available. Spanish taught from 3 years through sixth grade. Geared to average and aboveaverage students.

Park Cities Academy. 3412 Binkley. 522-8051. Founded in 1977. Coed, grades seven through 12. Tuition: $3,600-$4,250. 60 students; 10 teachers, eight with advanced degrees. Director: Helen Nastri.

Admissions: Requirements include admissions testing, previous school records and a personal interview.

Campus: Located in the Park Cities across from SMU. Housed in an older building previously used by other schools, including St. Mark’s School. Facilities and equipment will be expanded this fall.

General description: The only school of its kind in Dallas. A very disciplined, structured environment for students with an above-average to remedial performance level. Small classes (five to 10 students) are aimed at upgrading skills and strengthening background. Recommended by many area private schools. Provides transitional training as well as high school graduation. Computer curriculum offered. Most students go on to college.

St. Alcuin Montessori School. 6144 Churchill Way.-239-1745. Founded in 1963. Coed, 18 months through eighth grade. Tuition: $l,400-$3,100. 250 students, but will be taking more in the fall; 10 teachers with eight assistants, four teachers with advanced degrees (all teachers have Association Montessori International training beyond bachelor degrees). Director: Barbara Gordon.

Admissions: Previous Montessori training for children older than 4 years old; exceptions are made for those without previous training if space allows. Potential students are not tested but must have a screening interview.

Campus: Located on five acres. The 50,000-square-foot facility contains a gym, a library and art, language (Spanish and French) and home-economics rooms. Students also have access to flower and vegetable gardens.

General description: Extended classrooms to outdoors. Teacher-training facilities. Exchange programs with Montessori schools in Mexico City. The emotional and social aspects of the child as well as academics are stressed.

St. John’s Episcopal School. 848 Harte Road. 328-9131. Founded in 1953. Coed, 3 years through sixth grade. Tuition: $l,340-$2,140. 250 students; 22 teachers, about half with advanced degrees. Director: Grace Cook.

Admissions: For grades one through six, testing and personal interviews required for admission and placement.

Campus: Located on 10 wooded acres near White Rock Lake, one block east of Buckner Boulevard. Housed in church facilities with playground and proposed new gym.

General description: A hands-on learning atmosphere with programs including art, music, gymnastics, foreign language and computer study. St. John’s faculty subscribes to the learn-by-doing philosophy and nonpressurized academic atmosphere.

The St. Michael School. 8011 Douglas. 691-8681. Founded in 1950. Coed, 3 years through sixth grade. Tuition: $1,670-$2,730 for members of the church; $1,850-$3,020 for nonmembers. 412 students; 46 teachers, 11 with advanced degrees. Director: Ellsie Monette.

Admissions: Applicants are selected on the basis of date of application and ability to meet the academic standards of the school. Admission requires an informal visit to the school and standardized tests.

Campus: Facilities of St. Michael and All Angels Church, at the corner of Douglas and Colgate. Two classroom buil lings, a gym, two playgrounds, playing field and an all-weather basketball court.

General description: Provides a traditional educational foundation, with enrichments that include Spanish for preschool through third grade and French for grades four through six; appearances by visiting authors and artists; emphasis on the student’s discovery of his talents and how to develop and direct them.

St. Mark’s School of Texas. 10600 Preston Road. 363-6491. Founded in 1933 as the Texas Country Day School. Merged with the Cathedral School in 1950 and became St. Mark’s. Boys, grades one through 12. Tuition: $3,879-$5,543 (fees included). 740 students; 93 teachers, 53 with advanced degrees. Headmaster: David V. Hicks.

Admissions: Testing each February and March, plus personal interview and an essay about the applicant written by his parents. Teacher and school recommendations also required. Seniors not accepted unless their families are new to Dallas. No waiting list per se. All students must reap-ply each spring. Entrance requirements are stringent.

Campus: Located on 40 acres south of the intersection of Preston Road and Royal Lane. School officials call their facility the “most completely equipped independent day school in the country.” Facilities include a planetarium/observatory and elaborately equipped areas for science, math, arts and athletics. School has its own low-power FM radio station. The 30,000-volume library includes a media center outfitted with microfilm and videotape equipment.

General description: What Hockaday is to girls, St. Mark’s is to boys: college preparation with emphasis on a rigorous academic program plus active participation and self-development in both the arts and athletics. Nationally ranked debate team. Excellence in individual sports. Camping and leadership programs in middle and upper school. Average combined SAT score: 1,197.

Shelton School and Evaluation Center. 5002 W. Lovers Lane. 352-1772. Founded in 1975. Preschool through eighth grade. Tuition: $4,500 plus fees. 125 students; 30 teachers, 16 with advanced degrees. Executive director: Dr. June B. Shelton.

Admissions: Children with specific learning disabilities are welcomed as well as those of average or above-average intelligence who may require more intensive instruction. Interviews required.

Campus: Housed in the old Lovers Lane Methodist Church; 50,000 square feet.

General description: Average class consists of seven students. Accredited with the Texas Education Agency. Private therapy is available for children and adults with learning disabilities. Students are tested for learning disabilities and developmental lags at the school evaluation center and are evaluated by Dr. June Shelton.

Ursuline Academy. 4900 Walnut Hill Lane. 363-6551. Founded in 1974. Girls, grades nine through 12. Tuition: $2,400. 700 students; 56 teachers, 32 with advanced degrees. Principal: Sister Ann Barrett.

Admissions: Requirements include a placement test, personal interview and transcript of the student’s academic career.

Campus: Located on 28 acres in North Dallas. Facilities include a gym, dance building, art building, playing fields and tennis courts.

General description: Ten percent of the students are non-Catholic. Special programs include Government in Action, in which selected seniors complete an internship in the Dallas justice system. Selected juniors enter a special humanities program studying American life through history, literature and art.

The Walden Preparatory School. 14552 Montfort Drive. 233-6883. Founded in 1970. Coed, grades nine through 12 or ages 14 through 19. Tuition: $2,950 plus fees. 85 students; 10 teachers, four with advanced degrees. Director: Pamela Stone.

Admissions: Most qualified applicants are accepted. Requirements include previous school records, a personal interview and an appointment with a school counselor; the applicant must attend two days of school as an observer. No waiting list. No testing required. Students with learning disabilities are accepted.

Campus: Located in Far North Dallas. Housed in a 5,000-square-foot, multilevel redwood house on two wooded acres.

General description: A private alternative school geared to re-motivate and redirect students and to prepare them for college. Walden also works with students who have minor learning disabilities. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Self-paced.

The Willows Academy. 6318 Willow Lane. 661-5345. Founded in 1976. Coed, preschool through eighth grade. Tuition: $1,400-$2,700. 175 students; 18 teachers, six with advanced degrees. Preschool director: Susan Calbert. Elementary director: Johnnie Cardinale.

Admissions: Requirements include a standardized entrance exam, a classroom visit and a personal interview with parents.

Campus: Located near the Aerobic Center between Hillcrest and Preston Road. Two large facilities plus separate art and science buildings.

General description: Montessori preschool and nongraded elementary curriculum. All preschool and kindergarten teachers are certified by the American Montessori Society or have other professional training.

Winston School. 5707 Royal Lane. 691-6950. Founded in 1973. Coed, grades one through 10. Tuition: $5,000-$5,250, plus $350-$375 for lunches. 200 students; 35 teachers, eight with advanced degrees. Headmaster: Paul Erwin.

Admissions: Two days of visitation by student applicant is requested. Programs are designed for children of average or above-average intelligence who have some kind of learning disability.

Campus: Three buildings, all five years old, plus another building leased from the University of Dallas; soccer field and playground.

General description: Programs are designed to emphasize a student’s strengths. Classes in drama, ceramics, computer sciences, photography and music.